Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure where an instrument is introduced into the lower bowel (rectum) for a distance of at least 25cm.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is most commonly performed to look for causes of bright bleeding from the lower part of the bowel, such as Haemorrhoids, Polyps & Inflammation.

The procedure is brief and should only cause some minor discomfort and would be abandoned should the discomfort become too distressing.

A preparation is required to clean the lower part of the bowel. No dietary restrictions are required.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy examines the lower bowel only and is not an appropriate test for patients with a change of bowel habit, or who are passing altered or dark blood, or in whom it is necessary to exclude disease throughout the whole colon.